This research has identified three main categories of advanced sintering
technologies (AST): current assisted, which includes spark plasma
sintering; vacuum-assisted; and electromagnetic radiation assisted.
Although these advanced sintering technologies have theoretically
countless applications, they are primarily used in six sectors:
aerospace, automotive, electronics/optoelectronics, energy,
mechanical/metallurgical and medical.

Electromagnetic radiation-assisted sintering (e.g., selective laser
sintering and microwave sintering) currently account for the largest
share of the market. Within this segment, selective laser sintering
systems for coatings and 3D printing represent the most popular type.

The next-largest category is vacuum-assisted sintering, while the
current-assisted sintering segment, which is primarily comprised of
spark plasma sintering systems. Demand for AST systems is projected to
continue to grow at a healthy pace during the next five years, due to a
variety of factors, including the following: